ANC seeking creative ways to regain black middle class vote

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) is concerned it is losing the black middle class vote and has admitted it needs to find creative ways to regain the bloc.

The party said the country’s middle-income earners had become disillusioned with the ANC, which they blamed for the country’s corruption, poor governance and slow pace of transformation.

This is contained in the ANC's discussion documents for its upcoming national general council, a mid-term review forum where the party takes stock of its policies and challenges since its last national conference.

Research studies have shown the black middle class has outstripped the white middle class in terms of numbers since 1994.

In its discussion papers, the ANC said that the rise of the black middle class was largely due to government’s economic transformation and empowerment policies.

The ANC said that in the early democratic years, the black middle class favoured it; however, this group was now shifting towards other political homes. 

For this, the party blamed a period of anti-intellectualism that took root in its leadership structures. 

The ANC said traditional branches may not appeal to the black middle class; instead, it has to create professional forums where this group can discuss policy ideas and feel their voices heard.